Weekly Freight Recap: 15/08/24
Aug 15, 2024
PANAMAX
Atlantic: The Panamax market saw continued rate declines this week, driven by limited demand and cautious sentiment across the Atlantic. The market showed a split between mineral and grain routes. While there was some support for early September South American arrivals, the overall outlook remains weak, with further rate corrections expected.
Pacific: In the Pacific, demand showed modest improvement, particularly for Japan-bound trips. However, ongoing pressure from a weak coal market, especially in China, kept rates under strain. Despite some fresh support, uncertainty persists, leading to continued rate adjustments.
SUPRAMAX
Atlantic: The Supramax market remained subdued with limited fresh activity. In the US Gulf, earlier gains have stalled, and the South Atlantic stayed stable with little change in rates. The Continent-Mediterranean routes lacked momentum, and overall market sentiment remained cautious.
Pacific: The Pacific Supramax market showed slight stabilization, with increased inquiries and firmer rate discussions. However, overall activity was still limited, and the balance between supply and demand resulted in minimal rate movement.
HANDYSIZE
Atlantic: The Handysize market showed some stability, particularly in the Continent-Mediterranean region, where rates improved slightly despite limited activity. In the South Atlantic, the market may have found a floor, but overall activity remained low.
Pacific: The Pacific Handysize market remained quiet, with little new information or significant rate changes. The market stayed balanced, with demand and supply in equilibrium, leading to minimal movement.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of a strong rebound, especially in both the North and South where firmer bids and tightening tonnage contributed to rising sentiment. Fixtures suggested that some charterers may have overplayed their hand, triggering a jump in rates
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
26–30 /5/25 Agri
Jun 02, 2025
Monday opened quietly in Europe as U.S. markets remained closed for Memorial Day. MATIF wheat traded lower in thin volumes, but losses were limited by concerns over dry conditions in France and rising temperatures in Russia. The May JRC MARS Bulletin painted a mixed EU crop outlook, nudging soft wheat yield estimates slightly higher but trimming rapeseed expectations. Meanwhile, geopolitical noise grew louder with President Trump mulling new sanctions against Russia, and Germany lifting range restrictions on Ukrainian strikes using Western weapons.
Freight
Freight Recap:
29/05/25
May 29, 2025
The Atlantic market struggled with weak sentiment throughout the week. Following recent holidays, demand remained soft and fresh cargoes were limited, particularly in the North. In the South, while some fixing activity was noted, oversupply of ships continued to weigh heavily on rates. Owners faced increasing pressure as charterers held firm, and some vessels were reported fixing below last done.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
19-23/5/25 Agri
May 26, 2025
Grain markets exhibited volatility throughout Week 21, with wheat prices leading a mid-week rally before easing slightly into the weekend. Early in the week, MATIF milling wheat weakened in response to Saudi Arabia’s tender, which confirmed continued preference for competitively priced Black Sea wheat. Meanwhile, CBOT futures found strength, buoyed by a broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets after a brief dip following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. U.S. corn inspections came in strong, and planting progress remained well ahead of the five-year average, though winter wheat conditions unexpectedly declined. On the geopolitical front, markets briefly reacted to the news of prospective ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, although subsequent clarifications tempered expectations.
